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CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #22 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. February 1993. 484 fans in attendance. Dark match: Olga Turchak defeats Debbie Malenko in 7:57 with a splash. (40) The show opens with Lyudmila interviewing Salman Hashimikov. She asks about having his handshake rejected by Pisarenko after their match last week. 'Well, he's shown everyone exactly what kind of character he is. He doesn't care about a damn thing except himself. I'm finished talking about him...' Pisarenko sidles up to them. 'You don't know a thing about me, Hashimikov. I don't know if you're resentful of my success, or jealous of these muscles, but whatever it is, stop acting like you're better than me and talking this garbage, or we're going to have a problem. Understand?' (48) In the opening match, Terry Funk defeats Norman Smiley in 13:40 with the spinning toe hold. (41) Lyudmila interviews Terry after the match. 'I got a list of Russians I have a problem with that's about a mile long, and the next name up on that list is Vladimir Popov. He tried to get one over on me at the Moscow Circus, and I've got a lesson to teach him. If he wants to play pro wrestler, I'm going to show him what this game is really about.' (55) Reggie Bennett defeated Akira Hokuto in 9:47 with a powerbomb. (58) Dave Finlay and Steven Regal defeat 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T in 12:39 when Regal makes Booker T tap to the regal stretch. (59) Lyudmila is backstage with Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov. She asks them about the tensions between the two over the past weeks. They both give noncommittal answers and glare at eachother. (24) Minoru Suzuki defeats Georgi Kandelaki in 13:07 with the sleeper hold. (61) Lyudmila is backstage with Volk Han and asks him about Terry Gordy's challenge last week. 'I look forward to a new challenger. I came here to test myself against the best, and he's a serious wrestler who's proved himself in Japan and America... but he's never faced anyone like me.' (40) In our main event, Victor Zangiev (w/ Anastasia) defeats Leon Spinks in 15:30 by submission. (45) Victor Zangiev grabs the ringside mic. 'Kamala... do you realise we've been at this over a year, back and forth? We can't do this forever. I want a match with you that settles things. This country, I've realised, isn't big enough for the both of us. One of us has to go.' Kamala rushes out to the ring to confront him, with security guards closely behind him to keep them separated as the show goes off the air. (41) Overall Rating: 49

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #21 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. February 1993. Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Norman Smiley in 9:41 with a knockout punch. (44) The show begins with Anatoly Pisarenko and Salman Hashimikov backstage arguing. Valeri Vasiliev cuts between them. 'Gentlemen, please. I don't know what the problem is between you two. Now that the Funk business is over with, there's no reason you two shouldn't be able to get along.' Salman shakes his head and says, 'That man brought shame to the Soviet Union. I don't need to go into what he did, but I can't trust him at all.' Pisarenko is furious. 'How dare you?! You think you can insult my honour? I could lariat you into the ground...' Valeri throws his hands up. 'Enough! You two are going to figure out how to get along because I'm putting you in a tag team match in the main event tonight.' (49) In the opening match, Volk Han defeats Ultimo Dragon in 12:42 by pinfall. (51) This is followed by a taped segment where Lyudmila Kondratyeva visits Gary Hart in the hospital. Gary is still covered in bandages and confined to his bed. 'Mr. Hart, have your doctors given you an estimate for when we can expect to see you back in Championship Wrestling?' Gary laughs in a sick, hacking way. 'I'll be with you all soon enough. I have a new client who will devestate the nation of Russia... I should stop before I say too much.' (43) Reggie Bennett, Monster Ripper and Bull Nakano beat Olga Turchak, Cutie Suzuki and Debbie Malenko in 7:53 when Reggie makes Cutie Suzuki tap out to the torture rack. (48) Terry Gordy beats Igor Kolmykov in 12:45 with a backdrop driver. (57) Lyudmila Kondratyeva enters the ring for a post-match interview with Terry Gordy. He grabs the microphone. 'I don't got a lot to say. Volk Han! You wanna be the champ? You gotta go through me first!' (37) Grigory Verichev defeats Steven Regal in 12:04 with a judo slam. (67) As he celebrates his win, Bam Bam Bigelow slides into the ring and attacks Verichev from behind! He quickly escapes the ring as the studio security rushes to ringside. (43) In our main event, Salman Hashimikov (w/ Ivan Koloff) and Anatoly Pisarenko defeat Al Snow and Dean Malenko in 12:42 when Hashimikov pins Al Snow. (47) After the match, Pisarenko and Hashimikov are left in the ring. Pisarenko is still furious with Hashimikov. Hashimikov offers him a a handshake reluctantly, but Pisarenko slaps his hand away and walks off. (53) Overall Rating: 51

CWR: HOW THE STEEL WAS TEMPERED Febraury 1993. 1,823 fans in attendance at the Moscow Circus. Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Kamala in 10:53 with a diving headbutt in a wild brawl to open the show. (58) Norman Smiley and Vladimir Berkovich defeat Al Snow and Dean Malenko in 12:38 when Berkovich makes Al Snow submit to the Boston Crab. (61) Svetlana Goundarenko defeats Bull Nakano and Monster Ripper to retain the All-Russia Women's Championship in 12:36 when Svetlana judo-slams Monster Ripper. This is her third defense of the title. (49) Minoru Suzuki defeats Kolya the Wrestling Bear in 10:12 by pinfall. The match is criticized for a lack of selling. (52) The Flying Cosmonatus defeat Dave Finlay and Steven Regal in 14:46 to retain the All-Russia Tag Team Championship when Cosmonaut II delivers a brainbuster to Steven Regal. This is their first defense. (62) Leon Spinks defeats Georgi Kandelaki in 14:46 when he pins him after a knockout punch. (26) In our main event, with Anatoly Pisarenko as the ringside enforcer, The Dream Team (Salman Hashimikov, Victor Zangiev, Volk Han, Vladimir Popov and Grigory Verichev) defeat Terry Funk's Posse (Terry Funk, Ice Train, Terry Gordy, Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome) in 15:41 when Vladimir Popov gets Bad News Allen to submit to the Boston Crab. (56) Post-match, Terry Funk starts to go crazy! He attacks his own teammates and tries to attack Vladimir Popov, when Anatoly Pisarenko slide sinto the ring and knocks him out with a huge lariat! Then, Pisarenko turns his attention to Salman Hashimikov, who steps into the ring to attend to Popov. They stare each other down as the crowd in the Moscow Circus goes wild. (57)

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #20 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. January 1993. 504 fans in attendance. Anatoly Pisarenko is interviewed by Lyudmilla Kondratyeva. She asks what his plans are for handling the 5 on 5 match. 'Quite simply, if anyone steps out of line, I will break them.' Salman Hashimikov comes out. 'It's no secret that you have a chequered past as an athlete. How do we know we can trust you?' Pisarenko tries to explain that he's a changed man, but Terry Funk comes out and pats him on the back. 'This man Pisarenko, he may be Russian, but I like him. What's the problem, Salman?' Pisarenko steps in between them to keep them separated. (53) In the opening contest, Minoru Suzuki beats Steven Regal in 14:48 with the sleeper hold in a technical masterclass. (69) Svetlana Goundarenko comes to ringside to join Georgy Sarkisyants on commentary. After Bull Nakano and Monster Ripper's implicit challenge last week, she wants to watch their match, she explains. (35) Monster Ripper and Bull Nakano beat Akiro Hokuto and Olga Turchak in 9:51 when Bull Nakano pins Hokuto with the guillotine leg drop. (54) Lyudmila interviews Victor Zangiev, with Kamala on a television screen, appearing 'via satellite'. Lyudmila asks if the issue between them can ever be resolved. Kamala babbles angrily and Zangiev pushes over the television, shattering it. (45) Mike Awesome and Bad News Allen beat Sho Funaki and Dick Togo in 12:34 when Mike Awesome powerbombs Dick Togo. (47) Georgi Kandelaki is with Lyudmila. He says he's seen a new competitor in CWR that he wants to test his mettle against. 'I want a match with you, Leon Spinks! Not in the boxing ring, but in the wrestling ring, where there's no rounds and no rules to protect you from what I'm going to do...' (32) Meanwhile in the ring, Steven Regal and Dave Finlay have the microphone. 'The Flying Cosmonauts are a great team and we can't take that away from them... but we can take the All-Russia tag team titles,' Regal says. 'And then we can finally get out of this godforsaken country!' Finlay adds. Vladimir Popov beat Dave Finlay in 13:02 with a boston crab. (54) In the main event, the Dream Team of Salman Hashimikov, Victor Zangiev and Volk Han defeated the Ugly Americans (Johnny Ace, Scotty Flamingo and Tom Prichard) in 10:58 when Hashimikov pinned Johnny Ace. (69) Overall Rating: 58

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #19 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. January 1993. Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki and Grigory Verichev defeat Cuban Assassin and Bad News Allen in 10:25 when Georgi Kandelaki hits Cuban Assassin with his knockout punch. (46) The show starts with Victor Zangiev being interviewed. Lyudmila asks him about Kamala attacking him last week. 'It seems we're not safe wherever we go. He's always trying to get at me and Anastasia. Well, I understand he will be in the main event tonight...' Valeri Vasiliev comes up and informs Zangiev that, because of the attack last week, he will be banned from the studio tonight. (42) In our opening match, Al Snow and Dean Malenko beat Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov in 12:38 when Kolmykov tapped to the Texas Cloverleaf. (59) After the match, Kolmykov and Berkovich shove eachother in frustration. Kolymkov walks off on his partner. (32) Akira Hokuto and Olga Turchak beat Cutie Suzuki and Debbie Malenko in 10:10 when Olga pins Debbie Malenko wiht the axe kick. Debbie Malenko was upset post-match because the inexperienced Olga Turchak almost injured her. (40) Lyudmila interviews Bam Bam Bigelow. He has something to say about Grigory Verichev, but he doesn't speak Russian so no one understands what the hell he's saying. (33) Terry Gordy beat Vladimir Popov in 13:16 with the backdrop driver. (51) Lyudmila is backstage with Cosmonaut II. They're about to start their interview when Dave Finlay attacks from out of nowhere and they brawl through the corridors of the studio. (39) Leon Spinks beat Steven Regal in 9:38 with a knockout punch. (54) Lyudmila interviews Svetlana Goundarenko. She explains how she feels confident as champion, having beaten Bull Nakano and Monster Ripper, and says she's glad there are even more women competitors in Russia now. She sees something offscreen and pauses. Bull Nakano and Monster Ripper step into frame on either side and glare at Svetlana. (37) In our main event, Volk Han defeats Kamala in 15:12 by pinfall. (54) Valeri Vasiliev comes out to the ring. He explains that the 5-on-5 matchup between Terry Funk's Posse and Salman Hashimikov's Dream Team is set, but he needs some assurance things will not get out of hand. Terry Funk and Salman Hashimikov both come out. Valeri Vasiliev says that after the brawling and backstage attacks over the past few months, he's not taking any risks and has gone outside to recruit a special enforcer for the match to ensure things don't get out of line. He asks the mystery enforcer to come out... it's Anatoly Pisarenko!!? (60) Overall Rating: 52

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #18 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. January 1993. 445 fans in attendance. Dark match: Mike Awesome and Bad News Allen beat Jado and Gedo in 9:40 when Jado was hit with the Awesome Bomb. (45) Dark match: Ultimo Dragon beat Al Snow in 10:21 with an Asai DDT. (50) Valeri Vasiliev is backstage with Terry Funk and his posse. 'I've had enough of this nonsense. This was supposed to end with the cage match and you still insist on carrying on like thugs. You've given me no choice but to suspend you all --' Salman Hashimikov walks in. 'If you don't mind me cutting in, boss, I have a solution that should end this. We can settle this in a five-on-five tag team. I'll put together a new Dream Team and we can settle this once and for all.' Funk accepts the challenge. (51) In the opening match, The Ugly Americans (Johnny Ace and Scotty Flamingo) beat 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T in 12:56 when Booker T was pinned with the Ace Crusher. (47) Olga Turchak and Akira Hokuto beat Klondyke Kate and Reggie Bennett in 9:42 when Olga Turchak took Klondyke Kate down with a high kick. (47) Lyudmila Kondratyeva is backstage with Volk Han. She asks him about his loss to Minoru Suzuki. 'He's a tough competitor, a real shooter. But I'll tell you this -- I don't think this is over. I'm not done with him.' (35) Vladimir Popov beat Tom Prichard in 13:18 with a boston crab. (42) Leon Spinks beat Dean Malenko in 8:20 with a knockout punch. (56) Lyudmila Kondratyeva is backstage with Grigory Verichev. She congratulates him on his win against Terry Funk. 'It's not every day you defeat a world champion, but I'll tell you one thing -- Terry is cracked, and now there's room at the top for new challengers. Salman Hashimikov -- I'm not calling you out yet. In fact, you can count on me for your new Dream Team, because I want to judo slam that bastard Terry Funk again.' (41) In our main event, Victor Zangiev (w/ Anastasia) defeats Dave Finlay in 15:07 by pinfall. (53) As Zangiev celebrates his victory, Kamala slides in the ring behind him! They start brawling! Anastasia is at ringside screaming for help as the show goes off the air! (49) Overall Rating: 48

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #17 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. January 1993. 452 fans in attendance. Dark match: Vladimir Popov and Georgi Kandelaki defeat Billy Gunn and Tom Prichard in 10:13 when Prichard submits to Popov's Boston crab. (40) Dark match: Olga Turchak defeats Velvet McIntyre in 7:55. (33) The show begins with Terry Funk and his posse backstage with Lyudmila. Lyudmila asks what Terry Funk's plans are now that he has decisively lost his championship to Salman Hashimikov. 'I don't feel like I lost. I don't remember losing. Someone tells me I got beat bloody and was laying face down when he walked out of the cage. Did he pin me? Did he take the belt from me? I think he knew I was just getting warmed up, turned tail and ran. So I'm going to keep doing what I do, which is run this company like I own it, and show this whole damn country what a real professional wrestler looks like.' (49) In the opening match, Dave Finlay and Steven Regal defeat Al Snow and Dean Malenko in 12:40 when Finlay pins Al Snow with the Tombstone piledriver. (66) Lyudmila enters the ring to interview Finlay and Regal. She asks if they intend to make good on their threats to leave Russia. 'We've been entirely clear on this -- having beaten every single tag team in Russia, all we need is to be crowned the champions as we rightfully are, and we'll then leave,' Regal explains. 'No point in beating around the bush -- we're bringing the Flying Cosmonauts back down to earth,' Finlay adds. (34) Mike Awesome defeats Norman Smiley in 5:02 with the Awesome Bomb. (32) Lyudmila is backstage with Salman Hashimikov. She asks what his intentions are now that he has the national championship. 'Franky, after the level of violence Terry Funk brought me down to, it made me question myself and whether any of this is worth it. Because, as good as it felt to leave him laying in his own blood, there's nothing sporting about that. That's not wrestling to me. And it made me really question if I deserve to even hold this championship.' He holds the belt up to the camera. 'I have to be a fighting champion. I have to prove it to all the wrestling fans across Russia, and I have to prove it to myself. I'm ready to face any contender, whether they be American, Russian, wrestler, boxer, no matter. I'll face anyone.' (47) Gary Hart is seen laying in a hospital bed covered in bandages. 'The doctors tell me I'm lucky to be alive. But I don't feel lucky. No, what I feel right now... words come to mind like indignance, rage. There's no luck about it. Right now, I think what's keeping me alive is hate -- hate for this country and the stupid Russkiys who live here.' (51) Terry Gordy defeats Cosmonaut I in 13:23 with a powerbomb. (68) Valeri Vasiliev is backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'You know, Championship Wrestling from Russia has gone from strength to strength. We did a huge national tour last year, we had nearly a sold-out crowd at the Moscow Circus this month, and my phone is going off the hook with different athletes who want to come here and prove themselves in this ring. Just now, I've signed a contract with a brand new talent that I'd like to introduce you all to at this time.' The tall, statuesque Olga Turchak walks onscreen and smiles to the camera. 'Ladies and gentlemen, Olympic high jumper Olga Turchak has finished her amateur career, she's started training as a professional wrestler and she is excited to join us here in Championship Wrestling from Russia.' (39) Monster Ripper and Bull Nakano defeat Cutie Suzuki and Debbie Malenko in 9:35 when Nakano pins Malenko after a guillotine leg drop. (54) A man is seen in silhouette boxing in the ring. He steps into the light -- it's Leon Spinks! The announcer declares he is coming to Championship Wrestling from Russia. (34) In the main event, Grigory Verichev defeats Terry Funk in 15:09 with a judo slam. (55) Terry Funk is furious! His posse comes out to the ring and they start wrecking things, knocking over cameras, pulling out cables, throwing over the announcer's desk. (47) Overall Rating: 53

1992 YEARBOOK ROSTER SALMAN HASHIMIKOV: The legend of Russian wrestling and multiple-time world champion established himself as the leader of Championship Wrestling from Russia. He has shed his clean-cut image and ditched the national team's singlet for cut-off T-shirts and jeans as he goes into 1993 with an edgier, more bad-ass image. VOLK HAN: The renowned Sambo master who fights with the spirit and intensity of a wolf. He has already declared his intention to push for the national championship in 1993. VICTOR ZANGIEV: The great amateur wrestler drew the attentions of the mysterious beauty Anastasia and the beast Kamala; he has won back Anastasia and her affections, but for how long? VLADIMIR POPOV: The Seoul Olympics bronze medalist entered CWR as a rookie and earned a title shot against the national champion; how much higher will he fly in the coming year? THE FLYING COSMONAUTS: The mysterious high-flying masked tag team thrilled viewers of Championship Wrestling from Russia on 2×2 and went on to become the national tag-team champions, but how long can they keep their pace leading the tag division? SVETLANA GOUNDARENKO: The powerful woman judoka participated in the Olympics and won back her championship in the same year. Her open challenge to all women will draw many new and intriguing challengers to Russia in the coming year... KOLYA THE WRESTLING BEAR: The beloved mascot of Championship Wrestling from Russia looks soft and cuddly, but has mauled many on its roster and will almost certainly draw blood again in the coming year. TERRY FUNK: The wild and uncouth Texan offended many with his antics as he insulted, bloodied and nearly paralyzed his opponents with his banned Piledriver. Will he have a change of heart in 1993? DAVE FINLAY AND STEVEN REGAL: This foreign tag team set their sights on dominating the Russian tag team scene but fell short of winning the All-Russia tournament. Will they leave Russia as they've promised, or insist on sticking around to the annoyance of the fans? BAM BAM BIGELOW: The American brawler had some of the most thrilling matches of 1992 but came up short against Volk Han. KAMALA: The mighty beast found and lost his love and is sure to wage a path of destruction to get her back in 1993. MINORU SUZUKI: The Japanese shooter has arrived in CWR and found easy success; is he ready to contend for the championship? TERRY GORDY: The raucous American came in to CWR as Terry Funk's enforcer, but seems destined for even greater things... GAMA SINGH: The Great Gama has a mixed record in CWR. Will he continue to be a gadfly, or is he the dangerous championship contender he thinks he is? GARY HART: The devious American manager was last seen being mauled by Kolya the Wrestling Bear. But that couldn't possibly be the end of him... VALERI VASILIEV: The legendary enforcer of the Soviet national team has managed to keep control of these wild wrestlers as the general manager of Championship Wrestling from Russia... but will it last? LYUDMILA KONDRATYEVA: The great Soviet sprinter is now a backstage interviewer for the television broadcast. GEORGY SARKISYANTS: The long-time sportscaster is a familiar presence in Russian homes for decades now and his legacy continues as the announcer of Championship Wrestling from Russia. EVENTS THE WAR AND PEACE TOUR: The national tour to establish Championship Wrestling from Russia and build groundswell support around the new TV series on 2×2 proved to be a rousing success, but did not pass without controversy. Terry Funk quickly tried to establish himself as an adversary to Salman Hashimikov; when the Russian-American pro wrestler Ivan Koloff arrived in Russia to be a mentor to Salman, Terry Funk took the rivalry to a brutal level by nearly paralyzing Koloff with a piledriver through a table in Novosibirsk. The tour ended in Moscow with Salman Hashimikov claiming his first victory over Terry Funk, but the war was only beginning. This tour also saw the beginnings of the whirlwind romance between the mysterious Anastasia and Victor Zangiev, Gary Hart's first overtures at signing Volk Han, and Svetlana Goundarenko defending her national championship against all comers. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT: October saw the first episodes of Championship Wrestling from Russia airing on 2×2, and a huge show in Moscow that featured the finals of the tournament to crown a new national champion, in which Salman Hashimikov once again defeated Terry Funk. Zangiev defeated Kamala in their first encounter but Kamala quickly kidnapped Anastasia, and Volk Han defeated Gary Hart's client Bam Bam Bigelow but his struggles with the Americans were only beginning. THE SHOOTING PARTY: Terry Funk revealed his posse of wild and violent men and faced the Dream Team of Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev in a huge main event with Terry Gordy as his partner, scoring a huge victory over the Russian team. Minoru Suzuki arrived in Russia with huge aplomb and faced Grigory Verichev in a Judo Jacket match. Svetlana Goundarenko made her triumphant return from the '92 Olympics to win her championship back from Bull Nakano. The Georgian boxer Georgi Kandelaki also made his much-hyped debut. INSULT AND INJURY: The feud between Terry Funk and Salman Hashimikov escalated to a brutal new level in the Texas Death Match, where Hashimikov found himself fighting off not only Terry Funk but his whole Texan posse; Terry Funk used the banned piledriver to put away his opponent in the no-rules match and win the national championship. Volk Han, recovering from an attack by Kolya the Wrestling Bear orchestrated by Gary Hart, turned the tables on him by beating Bam Bam Bigelow in a Russian Chain match and forcing the corrupt manager into the bear cage himself. NEW YEAR'S DAY: Terry Funk was left laying in a pool of his own blood in the steel cage as Salman Hashimikov brought an end to their feud in the ring at the Moscow Circus, winning back his national championship. Kamala and Anastasia's shotgun wedding was disrupted by Victor Zangiev, who freed Anastasia from the clutches of the beast in a daring rescue, and the Flying Cosmonauts won the All-Russia Tag Team Tournament. Minoru Suzuki scored a shocking victory over Volk Han. There was a special appearance by Jumbo Tsuruta from our partner promotion AJPW, who lost to Terry Gordy. FIRINGS: Boris Zhukov (not really Russian) Nikolai Volkoff (not really Russian) Boris Khruschevv (not really Russian) Tiger Jeet Singh (got into a fight with Billy Gunn) Vladimir Koloff (not really Russian) Vakha Evloev (couldn't get over) Taz (had a bad attitude) Andrei Kopylov (had a terrible match) Tiger Levani (couldn't get over) Grom Zaza / Zaza Tkeshelashvili (I forget why I fired this guy) Lizmark Jr. (came to work drunk)

CWR NEW YEAR'S DAY 1993. Live before 1,715 fans at the Moscow Circus. January 1993. In our opening match, Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome defeat Dean Malenko and Al Snow when Al Snow gets the Awesome Bomb. (60) Georgi Kandelaki defeats Sho Funaki in 8:17 with the knockout punch. (42) Grigory Verichev defeats Tom Prichard in 6:47 with a judo slam. (57) Terry Gordy defeats Jumbo Tsuruta in 13:14 with a backdrop driver. (58) Kamala comes out with Kolya the Wrestling Bear. He's trying to prepare for the wedding and needs a 'ring bear.' He tries to open Kolya's cage but the bear takes a swipe at him. Kamala headbutts the bear and sends him backstage. (42) Minoru Suzuki defeats Volk Han in 14:36 with the sleeper hold. (56) Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Norman Smiley in 12:31 with a diving headbutt. (70) Svetlana Goundarenko defeats Monster Ripper in 13:25 with a judo slam to retain the All-Russia Women's Championship. (47) The wedding of Kamala and Anastasia begins. Valeri Vasiliev comes out to officiate. Kamala comes out first with some Ugandan dignitaries and attendants in colourful African garb. Anastasia comes out next, tied up and gagged in her wedding dress, wheeled out by more attendants. Valeri Vasiliev is disturbed, but starts the ceremony. Kamala babbles his 'wedding vows' in an unknown language and then, before moving in to kiss Anastasia, the lights go out. When they come back on, Kamala is kissing Vasiliev! Zangiev cuts the ropes on Anastasia and frees her, then brawls with Kamala and lays him out. Anastasia and Zangiev run up the ramp and out of the arena holding hands. (43) The Flying Cosmonauts defeat Igor Kolmykov and Vladimir Berkovich in 14:45 when Cosmonaut I pins Vladimir Berkovich with a diving headbutt. The Flying Cosmonauts win the All-Russia Tag Team Championship. (59) Victor Zangiev and Vladimir Popov defeat Dave Finlay and Steven Regal in 14:56 when Zangiev pins Finlay. (70) In our main event, Salman Hashimikov defeats Terry Funk in 15:07 after beating Terry Funk bloody in the cage, leaving him laying and escaping the cage. Hashimikov wins the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship. (60) The Russian babyfaces rush down to the ring. Ivan Koloff leads Volk Han, Victor Zangiev and Vladimir Popov to ringside and they lift Salman Hashimikov up on their shoulders to celebrate his huge victory. The crowd goes wild as order is restored in CWR and Hashimikov gets his final victory over Terry Funk. (52) Overall Rating: 57

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #16 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. December 1992. 634 fans in attendance. Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Dean Malenko in 10:22 with the knockout punch. (55) In a Block B match, Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov defeat Dave Finlay and Steven Regal in 12:59 when Regal submits to Berkovich's Boston crab. Kolmykov and Berkovich win the B block and advance to the finals. (61) Monster Ripper defeats Debbie Malenko in 10:14 with a powerbomb. (49) Lyudmila Kondratyeva is backstage with Svetlana Goundarenko. She asks if she's willing to give Monster Ripper a title shot. 'I'm not afraid of anyone! Let her try!' (31) In a Block A match, the Flying Cosmonauts defeat the Ugly Americans in 12:39 when Johnny Ace taps out to the Gory Special. The Flying Cosmonauts win the A block and advance to the finals. (52) Valeri Vasiliev and Lyudmila Kondratyeva come out onstage with the All-Russia Tag Team belts. The finals are set as the Flying Cosmonauts will face Kolmykov and Berkovich on New Year's Day! (29) Volk Han defeats Ultimo Dragon in 9:57 by submission with the leg bar. (63) Lyudmila Kondratyeva is with Victor Zangiev. She asks if he intends to be a guest at Kamala and Anastasia's wedding. 'I'll be more like a wedding crasher, believe me.' (41) In our main event, The Dream Team of Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev (w/ Ivan Koloff) defeat Ice Train and Terry Funk in 20:01 when Ice Train submits to Hashimikov. Ice Train also sustains a wrist injury during the match. (54) The two teams start to brawl! Zangiev is laid out and falls out of the ring, leaving Ice Train and Hashimikov to work over Hashimikov. They set him up for a piledriver through the announce table when Valeri Vasiliev rushes out and orders them to stop. 'Enough of this! You have behaved like thugs for weeks now in your petty vendetta! I demand that you end this at New Year's Eve! And so that there will be no interference from Terry Funk's posse this time, and no threat to the staff or the audience from your wild brawling -- I'm putting you in a steel cage!' (63) Overall Rating: 54

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #15 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. December 1992. Dark match: Debbie Malenko defeats Velvet McIntyre in 9:49 with the Fujiwara armbar. (44) In a Block A match, The Flying Cosmonauts defeat the Samoan Swat Team in 13:29 when Cosmonaut I hits Fatu with a diving headbutt. (54) Terry Funk is backstage with his posse. After being confronted by Hashimikov last week they are on lockdown, hiding out in the locker room. They hear he is somewhere in the studio looking for them. Funk sends Mike Awesome and Bad News Allen to find Hashimikov and bring him to the locker room so they can beat some sense into him. (54) In a Block B match, Jado and Gedo defeat the Headhunters in 7:48 when Gedo submits Headhunter B with the Gedo Clutch. (49) The camera crew is rushing backstage to respond to a brawl. They find 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T laid out and badly hurt with Scotty Flamingo and Johnny Ace standing over them. The Flying Cosmonauts rush in to chase the Ugly Americans away. Georgi Sarkisyants notes that it looks like 2 Cold and Booker T will not be able to face the Ugly Americans tonight, forefeiting their match. (28) Victor Zangiev defeats Gama Singh in 12:44 by submission. (58) Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome are looking for Salman Hashimikov. They are walking down a darkened hallway when he appears behind them. He knocks them out with a lead pipe. (49) Minoru Suzuki defeats Sho Funaki in 10:28 with the sleeper hold. (55) Lyudmila Kondratyeva and Valeri Vasiliev are backstage. Vasiliev announces they have received a letter from Kamala, which they will read on the air. Vasiliev struggles to read it at first, but then has a shocked expression. He turns the letter to the camera and reveals it is a wedding invitation for New Year's Day. (36) In the main event, Volk Han defeats Steven Regal in 15:28 with a leg bar. (63) Lyudmila Kondratyeva comes out to interview Volk Han. She congratulates him on the big win and asks who he has his sights set on next on his way to the title. 'It seems the challenge has already been made... Minoru Suzuki has knocked down almost everyone he's faced with that sleeper hold, except me. He seems to want to have another go. I'll grant it to him...' Minoru Suzuki comes out and glares at Han. (41) Suddenly, Ice Train and Salman Hashimikov burst out onto the stage! They're brawling through the crowd! Terry Funk comes out but keeps a cautious distance as his man Ice Train tries to hold Hashimikov back. The studio audience scatters as they brawl up and down the grandstand. The show goes to black as the chaos continues. (66) Overall Rating: 56

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #14 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. December 1992. 511 fans in attendance. Vladimir Popov is sitting in the locker room. Salman Hashimikov comes in and stands over him. 'Where were you when Terry Funk's posse was ganging up on me?' Popov shakes his head. 'I'm sorry Salman... if I had known what they were planning, I would have stayed...' Hashimikov grabs him by his collar and lifts him to his feet. He just glares at him, then lets him go. (51) In a Block B match, Al Snow and Dean Malenko beat Jado and Gedo in 12:40 when Jado taps out to the Texas Cloverleaf. (54) Finlay and Regal are backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'It looks like Block A is all tied up. We have three points, and the only other team with three points... well, we don't have to say their name, but we've already beaten them twice, so we may as well just advance to the finals,' Regal says. Finlay nods in agreement. 'The sooner we can win those belts and get out of this godforsaken country, the better.' (39) Monster Ripper defeats Cuty Suzuki in 8:03 with the Gorilla Press Slam. (43) Lyudmila comes out to interview Monster Ripper. She says nothing, just grunts and drools until Svetlana Goundarenko comes out with the All-Russia Women's Championship belt. She starts jumping up and down and pulling her hair. (31) Minoru Suzuki defeats Igor Kolmykov in 12:49 with the sleeper hold. (54) Salman Hashimikov stops Volk Han backstage. He asks Han where he was when he was getting beaten down by Funk's posse in the Texas Death Match. 'I was taking Gary Hart to the hospital after Kolya mauled him... it was the least I could do.' Hashimikov pushes him against the wall, and is about to say something, but just walks away. (55) Kamala (w/ Anastasia) defeats Grigory Verichev in 11:51 with Air Africa. (54) Zangiev is about to come out to attack Kamala, but Hashimikov stops him. He asks why Zangiev didn't come help him when he was being attacked. 'Can't you see? That animal is trying to take that woman away from me--' Hashimikov shuts him up. 'Whatever happened to brotherhood?' He walks off in disappointment. (44) In the main event, Victor Zangiev defeats Terry Gordy in 15:01. (48) Terry Funk comes out to the ring. 'Salman Hashimikov, I know you've been stalking around this studio all day. Why don't you come out here and face me like a man instead of whispering to your little sisters about how disappointed you are in them?' Hashimikov enters through the crowd and hops the guardrail. He slides into the ring to face Terry Funk, but Ice Train quickly rushes in and steps between them. They face off for a moment before a brawl breaks out between the two as the show goes off the air. (68) Overall Rating: 51

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #13 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. December 1992. Dark match: Akira Hokuto defeats Cutie Suzuki in 9:53 with the Northern Lights Bomb. (47) Terry Funk and his posse come out to start the show. He tries to lead the crowd in the Star Spangled Banner, holding the All-Russia Championship over his shoulder. They shower him with boos. 'Listen here, you dumb Russkiy bastards! This isn't hard to do! You need to respect that there's a new world order now. Your country has been conquered. Your country has been defeated. This may as well be the 51st state. Now shut up and sing my song!' He starts singing the national anthem again but the crowd boos him. He gets frustrated and starts to walk out of the studio, but is stopped by Valeri Vasiliev. 'Vladimir Popov has informed me he wants his title match -- tonight!' (50) In a Block B match, Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov defeat Jado and Gedo in 10:28 when Gedo taps out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (47) In a Block B match, Dean Malenko and Al Snow defeat the Headhunters in 8:06 when Headhunter A taps out to the Texas Cloverleaf. (57) Volk Han is backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. She asks him what his plans are now that Gary Hart has been taken care of. 'Well, I saw what the bear did to him, and he won't be coming back for a long, long time. That means I can focus on what every wrestler really wants -- to become the national champion, and I'll face any other challenger on the way to the top.' Minoru Suzuki steps into frame and glares at him. (29) In a Block A match, the Ugly Americans defeat the Samoan Swat Team in 7:38 when Johnny Ace hits Samu with the Ace Crusher. (46) Victor Zangiev defeats Dick Togo in 10:26 by pinfall. (54) Lyudmila Kondratyeva enters the ring to interview Zangiev. She asks him what he intends to do now that Kamala has 'won' Anastasia from him. 'I have no choice -- I can't let that beast lay a finger on her. Who knows what his intentions are with her? What if his tribe sacrifices virgins? What if they're cannibals?!' Kamala appears on the video screen with Anastasia, still tied up and gagged -- but now she's wearing a wedding dress?! (41) Mike Awesome defeats Cosmonaut II in 7:33 by pinfall with the Awesome Bomb. (56) In our main event, Terry Funk defeats Vladimir Popov in 14:32 by submission with the Spinning Toe Hold to retain the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship. (59) Out of nowhere, Salman Hashimikov bursts into the studio! He's still wearing the blood-stained cut-off shirt and jeans from their Texas Death Match! He catches Terry Funk by surprise and pounds away at him on the ground. Funk's posse runs out, but Hashimikov quickly escapes the studio before they can catch him. (63) Overall Rating: 53

CWR: INSULT AND INJURY. Live before 1,398 fans in St. Petersburg, Russia. December 1992. In our opening match, in Block B of the tag tournament, Dave Finlay and Steven Regal beat Jado and Gedo in 13:19 when Finlay piledrives Jado. (59) In a Block B match, Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov beat the Headhunters in 10:04 when Headhunter B taps out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (50) In a Block A match, the Samoan Swat Team beats Sho Funaki and Dick Togo in 9:39 with the double diving headbutt. (44) With Anastasia suspended in a cage above the ring, Kamala beats Victor Zangiev in 10:14 with Air Africa. (50) Zangiev is distraught! The cage is lowered and Anastasia is fitfully returned to Kamala, who carries her over his shoulder to the back. Lyudmila Kondratyeva enters the ring and asks Zangiev what his plan is now. He can only shake his head and walk away. (42) Valeri Vasiliev comes out. He says that Gama Singh has a case for being owed a championship match; whoever wins the following contest will get one on an upcoming episode of Championship Wrestling in Russia. (44) Vladimir Popov defeated Gama Singh in 12:31 by submission. (47) Volk Han defeats Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Gary Hart) in a Russian Chain match in 15:13 by pinfall. (58) Gary Hart gets into the ring. He says that he will concede that Volk Han is a great wrestler and that Bam Bam will gladly take the opportunity to face Kolya the Wrestling Bear. The bear's cage is rolled out onto the stage. 'You didn't have a Russian lawyer read the contract, did you...?' Volk Han asks. 'The wording wasn't that Bam Bam would have a match with Kolya... it was that you would have to get in the cage with him.' Volk Han shoves Gary Hart into Kolya's cage and slams it shut. He screams for help as Volk Han wheels the cage backstage with them both inside. (43) Grigory Verichev defeats Terry Gordy in 14:57 by pinfall with a judo slam. (56) Svetlana Goundarenko defeats Bull Nakano in 13:26 to retain the All-Russia Women's Championship. (46) Salman Hashimikov makes his entrance to the death match alone. His image, attitude and ring attire is completely changed; instead of his wrestling singlet he is wearing blue jeans, a cutoff t-shirt and taped fists. (47) In a Texas Death Match, Terry Funk defeats Salman Hashimikov in 14:35 after Salman Hashimikov is attacked by Ice Train, who grabs the ring bell and clocks him, then Funk piledrives him through the timekeeper's table. He cannot beat the ten count. Terry Funk wins the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship. (60) Terry Funk grabs the microphone as Salman Hashimikov lays there bleeding. 'Where's Zangiev now, huh? Where's your boy Popov? Where's Ivan Koloff? You've got nothing. You have no one in your corner. This championship means that this is my country now.' (63)

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #12 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. November 1992. 504 fans in attendance. Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Billy Gunn in 10:25 with the knockout punch. (33) In a Block B match, Steven Regal and Dave Finlay defeat Al Snow and Dean Malenko in 13:19 when Finlay pins Malenko with the Tombstone piledriver. (64) Regal and Finlay have a post-match promo with Lyudmila. 'There's only one team in this tournament we're worried about, that we consider to be on our level... Johnny Ace and Scotty Flamingo, the Ugly Americans, have done for American wrestling what we've done for Europe and Russia; we look forward to facing them in the finals.' (35) In a Block A match, The Ugly Americans defeat Dick Togo and Sho Funaki in 4:41 with the Ace Crusher. (21) Akira Hokuto defeats Cutie Suzuki in 7:56 with a Northern Lights Bomb. (46) Gama Singh is backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'I feel bad for Vladimir Popov, I do. After all, I was brutally attacked backstage myself; the culprits were never found and I have received no recompense despite losing my shot at the national championship!' (33) The Dream Team (Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev w/ Ivan Koloff) defeat Mike Awesome and Bad News Allen in 13:01 when Awesome taps out to Hashimikov. (49) Kolya the Wrestling Bear is in his cage backstage with Lyudmila, Volk Han, Gary Hart and his clients Bam Bam Bigelow and Bull Nakano. Both sides have agreed to a Russian Chain match, but Volk Han wants one more stipulation. Whoever loses must face Kolya. Gary Hart reluctantly agrees. (44) Grigory Verichev beats Tom Prichard in 8:14 with a judo slam. (53) Victor Zangiev is backstage, separated by security guards from Kamala. They agree to the contract for a match with Anastasia on the line. (37) In our main event, Volk Han defeats Gam Singh in 15:28 by pinfall. (64) Valeri Vasiliev comes down to the ring with Lyudmila. He calls Salman Hashimikov out to the ring, who is accompanied by Ivan Koloff. Then Terry Funk arrives with his posse. 'Blood has been spilled on both sides now and I won't tolerate any more of it. This has to be settled in the ring between the two of you,' Vasiliev says. 'You've insulted my country, you've attacked and injured my friends, you tried to permanently paralyze my mentor. And you persist -- despite the fact that I beat you, in the middle of this ring, for this belt, and I beat your man, Terry Gordy, despite your best efforts to cheat -- you persist. How can you continue to insult my honour like this when you know how severe the consequences will be?' Salman says. 'You think that because you're the champion, you're the man, Salman, but you've got it completely backwards. I got into your head and now you need this match more than I do, so we're going to do it on my terms. And we have to take it to a place where only one of us can walk away at the end of it. It can't be any other way. We're going to settle this in a Texas Death Match -- no holds barred.' They shake hands. The match is on for Insult and Injury. (53) Overall Rating: 55

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #11 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. November 1992. Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki beats Dick Togo in 10:20 with the knockout punch. (32) In a Block A match, The Flying Cosmonauts beat 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T in 12:31 when Cosmonaut II submitted Scorpio with the Gory Special. (52) A new Kamala hostage video. Kamala is showing the camera a drawing he has made while he babbles incoherently. It appears to be stick figure drawings of him and Victor Zangiev in the ring, with Anastasia in a cage at ringside. (36) In a Block B match, Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov defeat Al Snow and Dean Malenko in 8:30 when Makenko taps out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (59) Lyudmila is interviewing Gary Hart and Bull Nakano backstage. Gary Hart wants a rubber match with Svetlana Goundarekno for the women's champonship at Insult and Injury to dispel all doubt as to who is the toughest woman in Russia. (35) Vladimir Popov beats Gama Singh in 12:36 by submission. (43) Post-match, Salman Hashimikov congratulates Vladimir Popov backstage. He shakes his hand and says he's a rookie with a bright future, giving him his endorsement. (44) Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Norman Smiley in 10:02 with the diving headbutt. (64) In our main event, Volk Han defeats Minoru Suzuki in 20:04 by submission. (47) Backstage, Vladimir Popov is attacked by Terry Funk and his posse! They give him a gang-style beat down and bloody him up. Terry Funk looks into the camera: 'This is a message to Salman Hashimikov. You wanted a war, now none of your friends are safe.' (41) Overall Rating: 48

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #10 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. November 1992. 476 fans in attendance. Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Scotty Flamingo in 9:52 with the knockout punch. (36) Valeri Vasiliev and Lyudmila Kondratyeva introduce the All-Russia Tag Team tournament. Ten teams will compete in a two-block round robin with the winners of each block competing for the titles at the CWR Christmas show in January. Block A will feature the Flying Cosmonauts, the Ugly Americans, the Samoan Swat Team, Sho Funaki & Dick Togo, 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T. Block B will have Dave Finlay & Steven Regal, Ivan Kolmykov & Vladimir Berkovich, The Headhunters, Jado & Gedo and Al Snow & Dean Malenko. (36) In a Block A match, the Flying Cosmonauts beat Funaki & Togo in 12:55 when Funaki taps out to the Cosmonaut Crossface. (46) Terry Funk is backstage with Terry Gordy and Lyudmila. Since Terry Gordy was able to pin Salman Hashimikov in the tag match at The Shooting Party, he ought to be entitled to a title shot, and he's calling that shot not at Insult and Injury but tonight. Hashimikov and a bandaged Ivan Koloff enter to accept the challenge. (44) Minoru Suzuki beat Tom Pritchard in 10:05 with the sleeper hold. (57) Gama Singh is interviewed by Lyudmila. He doesn't want to accept Vladimir Popov's challenge for another match because, after being robbed of his spot in the All-Russia title tournament, he has to grind for everything he has to get to the top; unlike Popov who has every opportunity handed to him. But, just to prove that he is the real, uncrowned #1 contender for the title, he will face him. (33) In a Block B match, Finlay and Regal defeat the Headhunters when Headhunter B taps out to Finlay's Indian deathlock. (55) Finlay and Regal get on the mic. They thank Valeri Vasiliev for putting new tag titles on the line in this tournament and giving them a reason not to leave Russia. Once they prove they are indisputably the greatest tag team in all of Russia, then they'll leave with the belts. (33) Volk Han defeats Norman Smiley in 10:09 by submission. (65) Gary Hart comes out with Bam Bam Bigelow and a length of chain. He's thought about what Volk Han said last week about being chained like an animal. At Insult and Injury he wants a Russian Chain match! Volk Han says that's exactly what he wants, but Gary Hart should have to give something up too. He signals to the back and Kolya the Wrestling Bear comes out with his trainer. Gary Hart and Bam Bam run off. (42) Salman Hashimikov defeats Terry Gordy in 14:57 for the All-Russia Heavyweight title when Terry Funk distracts the referee for Bad News Allen to disappear, but Salman quickly pulls Gordy in front of him and allows him to get hit, before quickly pinning him. (48) Salman Hashimikov lays out Bad News Allen in the ring with a huge lariat as Terry Funk and Terry Gordy watch from ringside. (41) Overall Rating: 47 Is anyone actually reading this?

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #9 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. November 1992. Dark match: Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome (w/ Terry Funk) defeat the Ugly Americans in 9:35 when Bad News Allen hits Scotty Flamingo with the Ghetto Blaster. Victor Zangiev starts the show, being interviewed by Lyudmila. He talks about being attacked by Kamala at The Shooting Party and how they brawled through the crowd into the streets. 'Kamala, if you're a real man and not just a savage, put Anastasia on the line and face me at our next show, Insult and Injury!' (35) Dave Finlay and Steven Regal defeat Jado and Gedo in 13:19 when Jado taps out to Finlay's Indian deathlock. (54) Gama Singh defeats Igor Kolmykov in 10:10 with the Camel Clutch. Vladimir Popov comes out to confront Gama. 'You beat me once on your winning streak. Give me the chance to face you again.' Gama rejects his offer of a handshake. (31) Svetlana Goundarenko and Volk Han defeat Bam Bam Bigelow and Bull Nakano (w/ Gary Hart) in 14:40 when Svetlana pins Bull. (63) Volk Han grabs the microphone and points at Gary Hart. 'You did this to me,' he says as he gestures at his bandages from the bear attack. 'I'll exact punishment on you and everyone you send at me! Give me Bam Bam Bigelow in a match at Insult and Injury... chain me to him like an animal and I'll tear him apart!' (41) Georgi Kandelaki defeats Lizmark Jr. in 5:20 with a knockout punch. (18) Salman Hashimikov is leading a camera crew backstage. 'Come here, I have something to show you.' He takes them behind the studio where One Man Gang is bloodied and laying slumped against a dumpster. 'Terry Funk, you want to be a cowboy but you act like a thug. So now we'll play by gangster's rules. You hurt my man Ivan Koloff, so I take out one of yours.' He lifts One Man Gang over his shoulders and throws him into the dumpster. We won't be seeing him again. (54) Terry Gordy beat Cosmonaut I in 17:26 with a powerbomb. (58) Overall Rating: 52

CWR: THE SHOOTING PARTY. November 1992. St. Petersburg, Russia. 1,082 fans in attendance for a $9,756 gate. In our opening match, the Flying Cosmonauts beat the Ugly Americans in 12:55 when Scotty Flamingo tapped out to the Cosmonaut Crossface. (48) Vladimir Popov defeats Steven Regal (w/ Dave Finlay) in 13:08 with a Boston Crab. (56) Steven Regal is apoplectic. Dave Finlay joins him in the ring as they get on the mic and threaten to leave Russia. 'Nothing is worth this humiliation! Nothing is worth having to stay in this shithole country and wrestle men like that we know are beneath us!' Valeri Vasiliev comes out and announces there will be a tournament for the All-Russia Tag Team titles in the coming weeks and, since they are already the self-declared uncrowned tag champs of Russia, they can be the first entrants.... (34) Svetlana Goundarenko beats Bull Nakano (w/ Gary Hart) in 14:49 with a judo slam to win her 2nd All-Russia Women's Championship. After the match, Volk Han appears on the screen from his hospital bed where he is recovering from being attacked by Kolya the Wrestling Bear. He promises that he will be back soon to take on Gary Hart's stable. (36) Grigory Verichev defeats Minoru Suzuki in 15:14 in a Judo Jacket match. (50) Georgi Kandelaki defeats Dean Malenko in 8:14 with the Knockout Punch. (47) Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Vladimir Berkovich in 15:07 with the diving headbutt. (59) In the main event, Terry Funk and Terry Gordy defeat the Dream Team (w/ Ivan Koloff) in 18:19 when Kamala appears at ringside and Victor Zangiev runs after him, leaving Salman Hashimikov to fight alone, and he passes out from Gordy's Oriental Spike. (51) Victor Zangiev and Kamala brawl through the crowd as Hashimikov and Koloff get beat down by Funk's posse; One Man Gang, Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome run out to outnumber the Russians. Koloff and Hashimikov are bloodied up and left laying in the ring. (42) Overall Rating: 48 I have beaten bankruptcy and somewhat cheesed the system by forming an alliance with AJPW, ECW and WWA Mexico and taking their money. This was a necessary evil so that I can stay in my sandbox and not think too hard about how to run a profitable wrestling promotion in Russia. I have also adjusted our schedule for the next month to have shorter TV tapings as I don't want to get cancelled for burning out the stupid crowds. One Man Gang has signed an exclusive contract with WCW just as the Funk Posse angle is beginning, which is irritating, and I have been forced to do the unthinkable to replace him... I am breaking the emergency glass and hiring Ice Train.

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #8 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. October 1992. 401 fans in attendance. Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki beat 2 Cold Scorpio in 9:33 with the knockout punch. (23) The show starts with Salman Hashimikov and Ivan Koloff interviewed by Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'The match is set -- at The Shooting Party, Terry Funk can bring whoever he has to face the Dream Team, me and Victor Zangiev. I'm going to have my man Ivan Koloff here at ringside to keep the peace and make sure none of those other members of Funk's posse try anything.' (45) The Flying Cosmonauts beat Jado and Gedo in 9:31 when Jado tapped out to the Cosmonaut Crossface. (22) The Ugly Americans come out to challenge the Cosmonauts, but get laid out before they can even start speaking. (29) Gama Singh comes out next. 'Last week, you saw me take down Vladimir Popov and make him look weak. With the winning streak I'm on, pretty soon you're going to have to start calling me the Great Gama...' (33) Gama Singh beat Al Snow in 8:11 with the camel clutch. (30) Dave Finlay and Steven Regal are backstage with Lyudmila. 'We've had a lot of discussion about our future here in Russia, and really, we've beaten everyone there is to beat. You can basically consider us the uncrowned champions...' (35) Terry Gordy beat Volk Han in 9:53 with the backdrop driver. (46) Terry Funk comes out to join him, alongside the One Man Gang. They cut a promo in the ring. 'Hashimikov wants to put his friend Ivan Koloff in harm's way again at The Shooting Party. You're making a terrible mistake, because me and my boys will finish the job this time and put him back in that wheelchair.' (45) One Man Gang defeats Norman Smiley in 10:04 with a big splash. (27) Another video of Kamala and Anastasia. Kamala is trying to present her with a bouquet of flowers, but she's tied up, so he just drops them in her lap awkwardly. (37) In our main event, Victor Zangiev defeats Bam Bam Bigelow by pinfall in 20:07. (39) Overall Rating: 36 (I have to stop doing these six-hour tapings. I'm killing the crowd and these ratings are going to get us cancelled...)

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #7 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. October 1992. Estimated 442 fans in attendance. Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Johnny Ace by pinfall in 10:19 with a knockout punch. (32) Kolya the Wrestling Bear is in his cage backstage. We see Gary Hart talking to his trainer. Lyudmila Kondratyeva approaches with Volk Han and he leaves quickly. Lyudmila asks Volk Han what his strategy is for wrestling the bear tonight. 'Well, you know, in Dagestan wrestling bears is a normal thing for us. I'm just going to rely on my training and let instinct do the rest.' (44) Terry Gordy and Mike Awesome defeat the Flying Cosmonauts in 10:27 when Terry Gordy hits Cosmonaut I with the backdrop driver. (46) Terry Funk comes out to cut a promo with his posse. 'Salman Hashimikov, were you watching? Do you see the damage my posse can cause? It's not safe out here for you anymore, because we're all gunning for you now, and my Piledriver is going to be the least of your worries.' (41) Volk Han defeats Kolya the Wrestling Bear in 7:43 by pinfall. (37) Suddenly, Gary Hart comes out with Bam Bam Bigelow! Gary grabs the whistle from the bear's trainer and starts to blow. The bear is out of control, wildly swiping and biting at Volk Han! Volk narrowly escapes the bear attack but is pummeled by Bam Bam Bigelow on the outside. (42) Another Kamala hostage video is shown. Kamala is having a tea party with Anastasia. Although she is bound and gagged, he pretends to pour her tea and feed her imaginary sandwiches. (40) Minoru Suzuki defeats Al Snow in 12:51 with the sleeper hold. (44) Grigory Verichev comes out. He wants another shot at Minoru Suzuki at The Shooting Party in a Judo Jacket match! (30) Gama Singh is out next. He gets on the mic. 'I was brutally attacked from behind by unknown assailants! I was excluded from the Russian Championship tournament! Valeri Vasiliev refuses to do anything about it! Well, I won't have it. I'm going to be a problem for all of you until I get what I deserve!' (37) Gama Singh defeats Vladimir Popov in 10:10 with the camel clutch. (31) Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev defeat Samu and Fatu in 13:28 when Hashimikov pins Fatu. (45) Lyudmila Kondratyeva comes out to interview the winning team. 'Me and Victor Zangiev, we're the Dream Team! I'm not worried about anyone Terry Funk brings to face me. I have this man on my side and a nation of millions behind me!' says Hashimikov. Zangiev grabs the mic. 'Kamala!! Stop taunting me and face me like a man at The Shooting Party!' (46) Overall Rating: 38

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #6 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. October 1992. Estimated 442 fans in attendance. Dark match: Bad News Allen and Terry Gordy defeat the Ugly Americans in 10:26 when Bad News Allen hit Scotty Flamingo with the Ghetto Blaster. (44) Valeri Vasiliev Has A Huge Announcement. Championship Wrestling from Russia has started a new partnership with several promotions from around the world. We will see the fruits of this partnership very soon as new international talent arrives in CWR. (They will also be giving us money.) (31) Vladimir Popov and the Flying Cosmonauts defeat Al Snow, Dean Malenko and Tom Prichard in 9:35 when Comsonaut II hits Dean Malenko with the Sputnik Splash. (59) Another Georgi Kandelaki hype video. This one shows his training routine as he runs through the Caucasus mountains. (28) Gama Singh defeats Norman Smiley in 7:32 with the Camel Clutch. (51) Gary Hart and Bull Nakano are backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'We've just received word from Svetlana Goundarenko's camp that she will be making her return at The Shooting Party,' Lyudmila reveals. 'That's good for her. She lost her belt and she goes to the back of the line with the rest of the challengers and pretenders. If she wants to be on our level, she has to come up to where we're at, we don't go down to her.' (37) Minoru Suzuki defeats Vladimir Berkovich in 9:48 with the sleeper hold. (59) Kamala has sent in a hostage video. He has Anastasia tied up in a basement somewhere. He's smelling her hair. (35) Volk Han defeats 2 Cold Scorpio in 12:40 by pinfall. (68) Lyudmila joins Volk Han in the ring. 'Many are saying you are one of the most talented wrestlers in Russia, if not the entire world today,' Lyudmila says. 'Next week, we have a special challenger for you. You will be facing Kolya the Wrestling Bear!' The bear is seen in a cage backstage. Volk Han looks excited and confused. (40) Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev defeat Steven Regal and Dave Finlay in 20:09 when Hashimikov pins Regal. Finlay is injured by a botched move by Zangiev during the match. (49) Terry Funk appears on screen. 'You were wrong, Salman! I'm far from Amarillo right now. In fact, I'm at my dacha just outside Moscow. Can you believe it? I figured I needed to get away from the city and clear my head, figure out what my next move is.' He's walking through the snow. 'You know, Valeri Vasiliev spoke to me and he said a funny thing, that he didn't want any kind of senseless violence or savagery from me anymore. So I played your game, Valeri. But now that Ivan Koloff is up and walking around again, I'm starting to think my problem was that I didn't give you enough violence and savagery. No, I think violence and savagery are the only things you dumb Russkies understand. So the next time I see you -- the next time I'm in town, ha ha -- I'm going to beat you like a dog, Salman! Because that's all you are!' He comes to the edge of a forest and rubs his hands together. Stepping out of the forest come Terry Gordy, Mike Awesome, Bad News Allen and One Man Gang. 'I'm putting together a posse. Now these men know senseless violence and savagery. And we're coming for you, Salman.' (38) Overall Rating: 48

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #5 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. October 1992. Estimated 442 fans in attendance. Dark match: Terry Gordy and Mike Awesome defeat Billy Gunn and Tom Prichard in 10:14 when Gordy hits Prichard with the backdrop driver. (45) The show begins with Lyudmila Kondratyeva backstage with the national champion Salman Hashimikov and Ivan Koloff. 'Terry Funk said he would humiliate me and the nation of Russia at Crime and Punishment. But I haven't seen him here tonight. Where is he? On a long-haul flight back to Texas with his tail between his legs!' says Hashimikov. 'The doctors said I would never walk again after Terry Funk piledrived me through a table to the concrete floor and broke my neck. But to see the look on his face when he saw he hadn't killed me -- that alone gave me the strength to get out of my wheelchair!' adds Koloff. Kondratyeva asks if Hashimikov is worried about Terry Funk returning. 'I've seen the worst he's capable of. I'm not worried about Terry Funk at all.' (39) The Flying Cosmonauts defeat 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T in 12:59 when Cosmonaut II pins Booker T with a brainbuster. (46) The Ugly Americans, Johnny Ace and Scotty Flamingo, are watching from backstage. 'Boy, those Flying Cosmonauts sure are something, huh?' says Flamingo. 'You know, I've heard they're not even real comonauts,' says Johnny Ace. 'Yeah, and I heard they wear masks because they're two ugly bastards.' (38) Minoru Suzuki defeats Dean Malenko in 12:56 with the sleeper hold. (62) A hype video plays for Georgi Kandelaki. The announcer runs down the 20 year-old's accomplishments as he's shown winning a gold medal at the Junior World Boxing Championships in Montreal. He'll make his debut next month at The Shooting Party. (25) Dave Finlay defeats Vladimir Popov in 14:47 when Popov taps out to the Indian deathlock. (51) Finlay cuts a post-match promo with Steven Regal. They're so furious that Kolmykov and Berkovich finally got their win that they can't even bring themselves to say their names. (33) Volk Han and Grigory Verichev defeat the Samoan Swat Team in 12:50 when Verichev pinned Fatu after hitting him with a judo slam. (59) In our main event, Victor Zangiev defeats Steven Regal in 15:26 by submission. (56) Lyudmila Kondratyeva is in the ring to interview Victor Zangiev. 'Kamala! You've made the worst mistake of your life! When I find you, I'm going to tear you apart! If you laid a single finger on Anastasia, I'm going to rip that finger clean off! You're a dead man!' (46) Overall Rating: 50

CWR: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT October 1992. Moscow, Russia. 945 fans in attendance. (Our first paying crowd in history.) Valeri Vasiliev hypes up the crowd. He welcomes them and runs down the card for the night, with huge grudge matches featuring Volk Han, Victor Zangiev and, of course, Salman Hashimikov. (40) Igor Kolmykov and Vladimir Berkovich defeated Dave Finlay and Steven Regal in 13:20 when Dave Finlay tapped out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (59) Vladimir Popov defeated Dr. Tom Prichard in 10:29 by submission. (40) Volk Han defeated Bam Bam Bigelow in 15:14 submitting him with a leg bar after botched interference by Gary Hart. (49) After the match, Volk Han confronts Gary Hart. Gary begs off but Volk Han lays him out in the middle of the ring. He rips up the contract he was offered and stuffs the scraps in Gary Hart's mouth. (37) Minoru Suzuki defeated Grigory Verichev in 12:31 with the sleeper hold. (58) Victor Zangiev defeated Kamala in 10:21 by submission. (53) Kamala is furious post-match. He gets out of the ring, knocking things off the timekeeper's table -- then he rushes towards Anastasia, picks her up over his shoulder and runs out of the arena while Zangiev gives chase. (41) Bull Nakano defeated Cutie Suzuki in 9:47 after a guillotine leg drop to retain the All-Russia Womens championship. (51) Salman Hashimikov makes his ring entrance with Ivan Koloff accompanying him in a wheelchair. The All-Russia Heavyweight Championship belt is presented and the national anthems of Russia and the United States are played. (52) Salman Hashimikov defeated Terry Funk in 15:30 by pinfall after Terry Funk is distracted by Ivan Koloff standing up from his wheelchair at ringside. Salman Hashimikov wins the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship Tournament. (54) Salman Hashimikov and Ivan Koloff celebrate in the ring to end the show. Terry Funk paces around ringside, furious and distraught. (53) Overall Rating: 51 Overall, I think our first cycle of TV shows and event have been mixed. The matches have been alright but I'm troubled by the low ratings and poor financial performance. When we were running low-budget event a month we were losing just under $10,000. Now that we have added TV tapings, we lost $80,000 last month and only made an $8,000 gate. 2×2 can barely afford to pay us for our TV show. Something will have to change if we want to survive. Also, after the show I screamed at Vladimir Popov for his poor performance and he is now very angry with me. He will be publicly fired at the next set of TV tapings.

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #4 Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. 408 fans in attendance. Dark Match: Grigory Verichev and Victor Zangiev defeated Sho Funaki and Dick Togo in 10:24 when Zangiev pinned Funaki. (29) The show opens with Lyudmila Kondratyeva interviewing Salman Hashimikov and Volk Han. They both talk about their personal issues with the Americans on the opposite end of the bracket. 'Terry Funk is the lowest of human scum, a man without honour,' Salman says. 'Gary Hart is an American capitalist, he thinks we can be bought and sold like slabs of beef. He'll find out about us soon enough,' Han says. They agree to put all that aside and leave it all in the ring tonight. (39) The Flying Cosmonauts defeated The Headhunters in 10:13 when Comsonaut II pinned Headhunter B with the Frog Splash. Cosmonaut I had his ribs broken by one of the Headhunters during the match. (24) Dave Finlay and Steven Regal are backstage. 'We've had time to consider the challenge from your Kolmykov and Berkovich,' Regal says. 'Now, we've beaten them -- what was it? Two matches to nothing. And, really, we owe them nothing. But, out of the goodness of our hearts, and to show our benevolence as the uncrowned tag team champions of Russia, we'll see them in October for Crime and Punishment live in Moscow. Get your tickets now.' (31) Minoru Suzuki defeated Norman Smiley in 12:18 when he submitted him with the sleeper hold. (32) Lyudmila Kondratyeva is backstage with Gary Hart and Bam Bam Bigelow. 'I heard everything Volk Han had to say earlier, and he's got us completely wrong. Because if he can't beat Hashimikov tonight, my contract offer is off the table. And if he ends up across the ring from Bam Bam Bigelow at Crime and Punishment... well, his value on the free market is about to go down drastically.' (40) Terry Funk defeated Bam Bam Bigelow in 10:17 with the spinning toe hold to advance in the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship tournament. (48) Lyudmila Kondratyeva is backstage with Victor Zangiev and Anastasia. She askes about their relationship status and what Kamala wants from them. 'Anastasia simply has an eye for wrestling ability and physical conditioning, and she decided I was the finest specimen of both,' Zangiev explains. 'As for Kamala... I couldn't imagine what is going on in that beast's mind. But if he wants to get close to this beauty, he has to go through me. If that's what he wants, he can come see me at Crime and Punishment.' (37) Steven Regal defeated Vladimir Popov in 12:15 with the Regal stretch. (44) Valeri Vasiliev stops Terry Funk backstage. 'Frankly, you're lucky to be alive after everything you've done. I don't think you realise just what you've provoked with your actions. But I'm going to need an assurance from you, that whether you face Hashimikov or Volk Han at Crime and Punishment, there will be no more of this senselessness violence.' Terry Funk just smiles wryly at him. (46) Salman Hashimikov defeated Volk Han in 20:20 by pinfall. They had no chemistry and it was an awkward bout. (27) Terry Funk comes out to face Salman Hashimikov. 'I promised your boss Vasiliev that I'd keep my hands off you tonight, Salman, so tonight all I have to say is congratulations. The eyes of the nation are on you. I can't wait to see the light go out of every one of these peoples' eyes as I make you quit in the middle of that ring at Crime and Punishment.' (47) Overall Rating: 35